Which one is correct?
"disaster befell" or "disaster beset"?

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disaster befell

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that a disaster happened in the past.

Examples:

  • A great tragedy befell the family last year.
  • Disaster befell the kingdom, leading to its downfall.

Alternatives:

  • disaster happened to
  • disaster struck
  • disaster occurred to
  • disaster hit
  • disaster affected

disaster beset

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to describe a situation where a disaster is currently affecting someone or something.

Examples:

  • The town was in chaos as disaster beset the residents.
  • Disaster beset the company, leading to financial losses.

Alternatives:

  • disaster struck
  • disaster hit
  • disaster affected
  • disaster plagued
  • disaster afflicted
Both 'disaster beset' and 'disaster befell' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Disaster beset' is used to describe a situation where a disaster is affecting someone or something at present, while 'disaster befell' is used to indicate that a disaster happened in the past.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

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